AK kit ?? which one ? which 80%

[palmtree]

I've been having loads of fun with a saiga. It's 7.62. I can't tear it up or convert it. I have the itch to buy a kit, or parts to make one. I want to to it for the challenge and the fun. When I'm finished, I'll have an understanding for the gun. Now here is where it gets complicated. I'm not worried about my ability, or tools. I have some machining experience and am very mechanically inclined. Problem is, I don't know what kit to buy, or what assortment of parts to buy. What I mean is I don't want to end up w/ worn out junk. I would rather pay more if needed, but end up with good parts. I've looked on gunbroker, seen rifles w/ torched receivers, they say never issued. Not sure where to start. I think I'd rather start with new parts, but you guys know more, so that's why I'm asking. I think I'd like to lean towards building a 74 instead of a 47, but I'm open to suggestions on that. So, if any of you guys can give me some advice, or tell me what kits or parts to get, I'd appreciate it. Also, if anyone know of any books or instructions on building these, I'm all ears. thanks.

[Gutz]

Have fun.

http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30556

Any AK kit that comes with a new and pressed barrel is gtg in my book. Of course, it will come down to your preference on what kit to get. Romanian, Yugo, Bukgarian, Russian, etc.

[dc2allday]

Akbuilder rocks!

[ar15barrels]

I've been having loads of fun with a saiga. It's 7.62. I can't tear it up or convert it. I have the itch to buy a kit, or parts to make one. I want to to it for the challenge and the fun. When I'm finished, I'll have an understanding for the gun. Now here is where it gets complicated. I'm not worried about my ability, or tools. I have some machining experience and am very mechanically inclined. Problem is, I don't know what kit to buy, or what assortment of parts to buy. What I mean is I don't want to end up w/ worn out junk. I would rather pay more if needed, but end up with good parts. I've looked on gunbroker, seen rifles w/ torched receivers, they say never issued. Not sure where to start. I think I'd rather start with new parts, but you guys know more, so that's why I'm asking. I think I'd like to lean towards building a 74 instead of a 47, but I'm open to suggestions on that. So, if any of you guys can give me some advice, or tell me what kits or parts to get, I'd appreciate it. Also, if anyone know of any books or instructions on building these, I'm all ears. thanks.

Get a kit from AKbuilder with the barrel already populated.
That will save you a lot of work...

[nick]

The AMMS kits are probably the best value right now.

http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30633

Sarco sells them for $234 without the barrel.

[Baeleron]

The Hungarian AMMS kits are suddenly everywhere, but if you'd rather do a Bulgarian or Polish kit then Arms Of Amercia is a good place to try. I love my Polish AKM that I built from their kit.

[Fern]

Apexgunparts $250 Yugo bulged fixed stock gets my vote.

[tujungatoes]

Plenty of good advice on kits already. IMO the best guide to building AK's was written by our very own nicoroshi. Get the ebooks here.

[Gutz]

The NEW AK Book Is Here! The NEW AK Book Is Here!
[ATTACH]328573[/ATTACH]
Seriously I just received it today. I also spent all weekend trying to decide which kit(S) to buy, almost started a thread to ask also. I started out thinking Polish 47 or Bulgarian 74 but then I started reading a couple of threads about Apex and their Yugo and Hungarian kits. After doing a lot of reading here and another AK specific blog If I understand correctly Childers is in the process of getting Yugo Blanks 80% and finished around the end of June and also Apex is getting some more M72 kits Here is what Richard at Apex posted 5/24

"Compared to the Hungarian AK63D kits..
There are fewer of the Excellent Yugoslavian M70B1 kits in stock.
There are ever fewer of the Very Good, Matching Yugoslavian M70B1 kits!
The smallest numbers of Yugoslavian kits are my underfolders."

"On the plus side, I have M72 RPK kits coming in.
You can call the Sales Office next week and leave your contact info if you want one of them.
The sales office is managing the M72 list, so please contact them and not me directly."

Richard
__________________
APEX Gun Parts

Sounds like you've been doing your homework. Good luck and have fun!! Post up your build pics.

[SVT-40]

Buy what ever kits you can find.....

[kcstott]

I know a guy that changed his mind on a Bulgarian kit. I populated his barrel but now he wants to go with an AR due to the expense in buying tools for the AK

[kcstott]

Is it the one being sold here on private sales? He says he is going to post pics

Didn't see that and couldn't find it.

If he's out of El cajon then yeah that's probably his.

[palmtree]

I'm appreciating everyones responses. I've viewed all the links. Those two books look like they ought to cover it all. Obstreperous, it would be nice, if you would keep us/me posted as you decide and change your mind on types of builds and your reasoning. All this is overwhelming to me. Being I already have a 7.62 to play w/, I think I'm going to lean towards making a 5.45 ak74. A few more questions I hope I can get you guys to touch on are: Whats the diff b/t chrome lined barrel, and chrome plated. The polish Tantel s barrel is 4140 w/ a 8 twist. Whats the typical barrel made of, and whats most widely used twist in the 74? I also noticed that none of the 74 kits say threaded barrel like the 47 that Gutz posted. Also, out of all these countries and models of 74s, do any of them stand out in an of your minds, to being more tough, or built stronger, or handle heat of rapid fire more so than the others? Now, In my unexperienced mind, I look at all these kits, and the first thoughts I have are, look at all this used stuff that these countries are discarding, is it worn out. Well it says new barrel, and make a receiver yourself. So, how much wear and tear is on the other parts. And if not much, why don't these countries keep them and rebuild them thereselves? I don't know?? Any thoughts on part or any of these questions would help.

[ar15barrels]

I also noticed that none of the 74 kits say threaded barrel like the 47 that Gutz posted.

AK47's use a threaded barrel.
AK74's use a threaded front sight base.

[kcstott]

And barrels are made of 4130/4140 typically or 416 if stainless, Chrome lined and chrome plated are the same thing just different ways to say it.

Both are good.